Sedentary Behavior and Physical Inactivity among College Students Affect Core Strength, Flexibility, and Posture

Abstract

Sedentary behavior and physical inactivity have increased with advancements in technology. College students are high utilizers of computers and mobile devices, often for long periods with poor posture, putting them at risk for negative health consequences. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of sedentary behavior and physical activity participation on core strength, flexibility, and posture in college students. METHODS: College students (N=33; n=22 female, n=11 male) completed physical measures and questionnaires of sedentary behavior (SB) and physical activity (PA). Curl-up tests, sit and reach, and plumb line assessments indicated core strength, flexibility, and posture, respectively. Two-way ANOVAs were performed with participants categorized by their posture measures (rounded shoulders; RS, and forward head posture; FHP) on weekday and weekend SB, and PA per week. Associations were determined between SB, PA, core strength, flexibility, and body fat percentage by computing Pearson’s correlation coefficients. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in SB and PA between postural groups. However, participants with RS and FHP spent an hour more per day being sedentary on average than those with RS alone (RS & FHP: SB weekday, M=3.74 hrs ± 0.79, SB weekend, M= 3.74 hrs ± 0.9; RS only: SB weekday, M= 2.62 hrs ± 0.36, SB weekend, M= 2.77 hrs ± 0.48). SB was associated with decreased flexibility (SB weekday: r=-0.47, p<0.01; SB weekend: r=-0.48, p<0.01), while physical inactivity was associated with higher body fat percentage (r=0.36, p=0.04) and decreased core strength (r=-0.51, p<0.01). Furthermore, college students who were sedentary during the week were also sedentary on the weekend (r=0.82, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Sedentary behavior and physical inactivity were associated with negative changes in core strength, flexibility, posture, and body composition. Interventions targeting improvements in these behaviors among college students should include guidance on reducing screen time and limiting improper posture.